Fire drills are a critical part of UCOP’s commitment to maintaining a safe and prepared workplace.

Under new guidance provided by the UC Berkeley Fire Marshal, reflecting current California Fire Code standards, UCOP no longer needs to evacuate the entire building during a fire alarm. Instead, individuals only need to evacuate if they are located on:

• The floor where the fire event is located/reported
• One floor above or below the event
• The main lobby for ground-level response

This updated approach maintains the highest level of safety and enables a more realistic and targeted response while minimizing unnecessary disruption.

Our upcoming drill

On Thursday, Dec. 4, between 10 and 11 a.m., the Building and Administrative Service Center (BASC) will conduct a scheduled fire alarm evacuation drill for floors 5, 6 and 7 of the Franklin building.

Simulated fire event and evacuation locations

The simulated fire event will occur on the 6^th floor. If you are on Floor 5, 6 or 7 or in the Franklin lobby during the drill, you will be required to evacuate to the designated emergency assembly area: Oakland City Center, 12^th Street side. If you are on another floor during the drill, please remain where you are and wait for the all-clear from the BASC team.

Map detailing the location of UCOP’s assembly point. Note: If you have difficulty understanding this map, contact the Work Management Center for assistance.

What to expect during the drill

• Emergency Safety Coordinators (ESCs) will lead and manage movement during the drill
• Alarms and strobes will activate only on participating floors.
• Elevators throughout the building will be recalled to the lobby and will be inoperable for approximately 30 minutes. If you are in the elevator when it is recalled, you will need to exit and evacuate as part of the drill.
• The stairwells will remain accessible.
• Emergency exits will be unlocked.
• Other building systems will operate as usual.

If you are on Franklin floors 5, 6, 7 or in the lobby

• Treat the alarm as real.
• Exit via the nearest stairwell. Do NOT use elevators.
• Following the direction of your ESC, proceed to the emergency assembly area and remain there until BASC gives the all-clear.
• If you have an Individual Emergency Evacuation Plan (IEEP), go to your designated area of refuge and coordinate with your ESC and IEEP partner. If you believe you require an IEEP and do not have one in place, please email the Work Management Center as soon as possible.

If you are on any other floor

• You do NOT need to evacuate and may continue working.
• Elevators will be out of service during this time to simulate a real fire event.
• Stairwells will be open; however, please use them only when necessary.
• Use this time to review your nearest exit route.

UCOP’s updated fire alarm drill process reflects best practices and code requirements while improving efficiency, safety and clarity during real events.

For questions about the fire alarm drill, please contact Project Manager Jihee Lee.

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